Law doesn't give motorcycle 'blockers' right to stop traffic
Q: I am curious about a practice I've seen happen three times in recent weeks. While a large group of motorcycles is passing through, one motorcyclist, wearing a shirt that says "blocker," will block off oncoming traffic at each intersection, regardless of who has the right of way at a light or stop sign.
I understand their desire to stay together as a group, but this doesn't seem safe, nor is it fair to other drivers. We've all been in a situation where we've been following someone, having someone following us, or have been traveling as a group of several cars. Inevitably, someone gets left behind at a light but we simply pull over and wait for them to catch up. It doesn't mean we have a "blocker" car that stops traffic for us. That would be ridiculous.
I'm wondering if this practice is legal?
— Laura Winter, Waterford
A: The blockers have no legal authority to direct traffic, said Sgt. Daniel Larkin, traffic supervisor for Troop G in Loudonville.
"The answer is no. It is not legal to block intersections to allow riders to stay together," he said. "Only emergency personnel, people involved in highway repairs, and crossing guards can legally interfere with traffic as described by your writer. People who conduct themselves in this manner subject themselves to being ticketed and to civil liability if they cause or contribute to a collision. These people have no emergency lighting, are not trained and have no authority in law."
The only exception would be where the group has been granted a permit by the state Department of Transportation, which includes an endorsement from police, local authorities and insurance, he said.
Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Law-doesn-t-give-motorcycle...
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please feel free to leave a comment